Theatre staff in the Ulster Hospital were thrilled to get a glimpse of the future in the health care, as the most advanced surgical robot was unveiled.
The visit by Intuitive Surgical, which develops robotic systems to enable minimal invasive surgical procedures using robotic arms, controlled by a surgeon from a console, was warmly welcomed as enthusiastic theatre consultants and their teams gathered to learn more.
Ulster Hospital Consultant Surgeon Mr Ian McAllister described the robotic system as, “Clearly the future of health care.”
“The robot is remotely operated by the Surgeon who controls the robot’s arms. From a South Eastern Trust point of view, we are looking at this system for procedures such as Colorectal surgery, Gynaecological surgery in terms of Hysterectomy and Urology. This robot has got multiple uses and if it was here in the Ulster Hospital it would have multi-disciplinary use across different specialities.”
Dr McAllister continued, “We just couldn’t foresee this level of technology 20 years ago when I started off in my career. Our trainee surgeons are often going away on fellowships to Australia, Europe and America and they are learning surgery on the robot. It is really important for us to have this platform in the Ulster Hospital so that we can attract really good, top surgeons to come back.”
Impressed by the robotic demonstration, Director of Surgery Maggie Parks said everyone was “delighted” to have a first-hand look at what was involved.
“The patient outcomes following a robotic assisted surgery are excellent in terms of length of stay for the patient, the complications ‘post op’ are less and also the time in theatre is less.
“I did do a stint in theatres for awhile and there was absolutely nothing like this available.
“The South Eastern Trust is ready and very willing to host this robot in the Ulster Hospital, so we can deliver this service to patients throughout Northern Ireland.
It is amazing to see this type of equipment in action – it is absolutely the future for surgery.”
